[chesapeake724]

Got the prognosis from the shop today on the previously unknown condition of the motor ('85 Johnny 175) that came with the boat.

Good:
- it starts and runs after the flywheel was replaced
- compression low, but equal
- lower unit/gear case good
- cylinders and piston (crowns?) clean

Bad:
- evidence of coolant and exhaust leaks here and there
- #5 cylinder "sounds" bad
- ignition wiring functional (good spark), but could use replacing
- throttle cables could use replacing

Most of the bad stuff is in the "it-works-but..." category. It could last a couple seasons, it could go the first time I take the boat out. I was ready to throw $1k into it, if I got the vibe the motor would last a while, but I'm not sure I want to throw $2k into an old engine with some problems that could be ticking timebombs. $2k would be a good dent into a $3-5000 repower with a newer motor, with a recent or fresh rebuild. I'm torn between cutting my losses and taking the big hit now, OR, risking taking a small hit now, engine blows up and then I take a big hit on top of the little hit.

If I decide to repower now, I'll probably sit out the spring and summer fishing season. I'll pull the engine and work on the hull while I shop for a deal in time to fish the fall/winter bonanza. Besides, that gives me all summer to work on the house to appease the Admiral.

-sigh- And here I thought finding a hull was hard... Oh, well. While this is the chit you forget about when you're heading for the barn during a perfect sunset, the seas are glass, motor is trimmed out just right, and you're face to the wind with your hair on fire...
...it's still chit
:-/